Simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat

ABSTRACT

A portable in-place beveled multilevel cushioned mat that allows simulated jogging and running. This cushioned mat consists of a flat front section for the toes and front of the foot, and a beveled higher back section with a high flat top for the heel to provide foot support and anatomically corrected jogging and running motion. It is made of a closed or open cellular foam system from polymeric elastomers. The mat may be made of a foam core with polymer coated shell or molded with one or more than one type of foam system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to jogging mats and in particular to a cushioned multi-level jogging mat which varies in thickness from a lower anterior foot portion through a beveled, sloped or vertical mid section to a raised posterior foot portion for complete impact absorption during jogging in place.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] This invention concerns a device which is designed specifically for in-place jogging and running. According to Runner's World Magazine, running is most popular sport in the world. Running and jogging improve and maintain cardiovascular health, lower body strength, as well as mental and overall physical health. For active runners, it is important to keep a regular training schedule which often involves 3-6 days a week, in order to maintain or improve performance.

[0005] There are different types of in-place running and simulated running devices on the market. The most popular type is the treadmill. However, due to the cost to acquire the machine and space requirement, many people do not have the luxury of owning a treadmill. Besides the treadmill, there are other exercisers that simulate actual jogging and running to a certain extent. Yet many of them do not capture the essential elements of the jogging and running motion.

[0006] The actual running motion involves 3 stages of foot motion. First, there is the heel landing and striking stage. Then, there is a midstance stage in which the front and back of the foot are in contact with the landing surface. As the body moves forward, the heel lifts and the toes propel the body until the heel of the opposite foot strikes the ground.

[0007] All prior patents related to this application consisted of devices having flat foot contact surface. A flat surface in-place jogging running device with a non moving contact surface, does not truly allow the 3 stages of foot motion to occur. During in-place jogging or running on a non moving surface, as the center of gravity of the body moves vertically from the ground, the landing phase of the foot and propelling phase are done by the toes. Since our natural foot anatomy is adapted for the three stages of motion described above, landing on the toes on a flat surface increases strain on the foot. As a result, prolonged in-place jogging or running on a non moving flat surface, can cause increased strain and even premature injury to the foot.

[0008] There were several patents granted for devices utilized shock absorbing and resilient materials, and were designed for in-place walking, jogging and running.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,661, issued Mar. 3, 1981 to Russell, provides a leg exercising device comprising a thick, resilient, flexible pad with a sloped top surface and sloped sides which reportedly provides for safe, non-jarring leg exercises involving running, squatting, squat-running, leg joint pivoting, balance and the like. Russell also has two other patents with side-by-side pads: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,603,851 and 5,656,000. However the foot always lands on a flat surface.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,159,826, issued Jul. 3, 1979 to Hancock, claims a pneumatic jogging platform with resilient tubing under the pad and a flat surface.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,601, issued Feb. 15, 1972 to Sieg, shows a two pad device for walking, jogging and running exercise with flat surfaces.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,634,895, issued Jan. 18, 1972 to Childers, describes a flat broad pad inside a frame.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 1,931,146, issued Oct. 17, 1933 to Hampel, discloses a pad with corrugations for exercise having a flat landing surface.

[0014] None of the above patents has a multilevel surface with a beveled middle section suited for natural jogging and running motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned multilevel jogging mat with an elevated heel cushion for anatomically corrected in-place jogging or running simulating the three stages of foot motion during actual running and jogging.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging running mat that is inexpensive, portable, easy to store and more importantly, easily accessible.

[0017] One more object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that reduces jarring and impact to the joints in legs during simulated jogging and running.

[0018] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that can be used by a wide group of users across different recreational interests and experiences.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternate replacement for a more expensive treadmill.

[0020] An added object of the present invention is to provide a low impact exercise device for rehabilitation purposes.

[0021] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a cushioned jogging and running mat that reduces the impact transmitted to the supporting surface and thereby reduces noise, so that disturbance to others can be minimized.

[0022] Yet one more object of the present invention is to provide various models having different heights and different inclines for various types of individuals having different needs and for different applications, such as low impact walking or high impact fast running in place.

[0023] Still one more object of the present invention is to provide a compact model having only the inclined section and the elevated heel section and utilizing the supporting surface, such as a rug or a rubber mat, as the toe portion.

[0024] In brief, the present invention provides a multilevel cushioned mat that simulates the three stages of foot motion in running and jogging while cushioning the impact on the feet and provides a solution to reduce strain on the foot during in-place jogging or running. The elevated section in the rear portion of the mat allows the heel to land with full shock absorption on the cushioned mat. After a very short midstance with the foot on the sloping beveled portion or vertical portion or curved portion making the transition between heel contact and toe contact, the body weight can be quickly transferred to the toes on the lower front flat section of the mat or underlying floor surface and lift the body upward. In this manner, the full motion of jogging or running is accomplished.

[0025] Various models are provided having different heights and different inclines for various types of individuals having different needs (such as children, fit adults, heavy adults, elderly) and for different applications, such as a slight incline with a relatively low heel section for low impact walking or slow jogging in place, a more inclined midsection with a moderately elevated heel section for greater impact jogging in place, and a sharply inclined midsection and substantially elevated heel section for high impact fast running in place.

[0026] A compact model has only the inclined section and the elevated heel section and utilizes the supporting surface, such as a rug or a rubber mat, as the toe portion. This model can easily be stored in a brief case or drawer and pulled out for in place walking, jogging or running workouts.

[0027] The primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides a solution for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running motion on a non moving surface, actually simulating the three foot motions of jogging and running while cushioning the foot.

[0028] A secondary advantage of the present invention is that it allows a convenient access to a 15-45 minutes workout at a flexible location.

[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is inexpensive, portable and anatomically corrected and suited for all users across different recreational interests and skill levels.

[0030] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it is shock absorbing to lessen impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and other details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the anatomically corrected cushioned mat for running and jogging in place;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two cushioned mats side by side;

[0035]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having an inner resilient core and an outer covering;

[0036]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having two cushioned mats, a flat bottom cushioned mat and a wedge-shaped top cushioned mat partially covering the bottom cushioned mat with the two cushioned mats aligned for interconnection;

[0037]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having three cushioned mats hinged together, so that they may be flattened out for storage and stacked for use with the cushioned mats aligned for stacking;

[0038]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention used with a stand having hand rails;

[0039]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and low sloping beveled front midstance section for walking or slow jogging in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0040]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and more steeply sloping beveled front midstance section for jogging in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0041]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention having a wedge shape with an elevated rear heel section and very steeply sloping beveled front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0042]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8;

[0043]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of FIG. 9;

[0044]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of FIG. 10;

[0045]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat rear wall and arched front surface forming both the elevated rear heel section and arched front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0046]FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and a very slightly sloping beveled midstance section for walking or slow jogging in place, and a flat slightly elevated heel section;

[0047]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and a moderate sloping beveled midstance section for jogging in place, and a flat moderately elevated heel section;

[0048]FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and a steeply sloping beveled midstance section for fast running in place, and a flat highly elevated heel section;

[0049]FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and an arched section forming both the midstance section and the elevated heel section;

[0050]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and a vertical midstance section, and a flat elevated heel section;

[0051]FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a variation on the preferred embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a flat front toe section and a vertical midstance section, and a flat elevated heel section;

[0052]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat elevated heel section and a vertical front midstance section, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0053]FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the invention of FIG. 21;

[0054]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention of having a flat rear wall and arched front surface forming both the elevated rear heel section and arched front midstance section for fast running in place, while utilizing the underlying supporting surface as the front toe portion;

[0055]FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the invention of FIG. 23.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0056] In FIGS. 1-24, an anatomically corrected cushioned running mat 20, and 20A-R comprises a multilevel cushioned mat for jogging, running, and walking in place having a horizontally flat front toe level 21 and 21A-R, an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level 22 and 22A-R, and an elevated heel level 23 and 23A-R for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving a heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level 23 and 23A-R, naturally assisting the rolling forward of the mid foot of a runner on the beveled, arched or vertical mid-foot level 22 and 22A-R for a short midstance position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat level 21 and 21A-R of the cushioned mat or the supporting surface in a position to push the body upward, all as seen in FIG. 2.

[0057] The preferred embodiment of the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides a cushioned mat which is sufficiently wide to receive both feet of the user thereon during exercise.

[0058] The multilevel cushioned jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock absorbing material, such as being molded or cut from a foam material, or being fabricated of a foam core 25 having at least one foam material, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell 26, as seen in FIG. 4. Other fabrication options include having the cushioned mat fabricated of dissimilar foam materials bonded together (FIG. 5), fabricated of dissimilar foam materials multi-component molded, fabricated from an open cellular foam system, fabricated from a closed cell type foam. The base foam material may consist of a material selected from a list of materials consisting of polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, natural or synthetic rubber, or other resilient shock absorbing material. The cushioned mat is fabricated from a material having a density range from 2 lb. to 12 lb. per cubic feet.

[0059] In FIG. 5 the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat 20C is fabricated in two sections: a flat bottom section 29 and a wedge-shaped top section 28 with a horizontal elevated top 23C resting on the flat bottom section leaving a portion of the flat bottom section exposed to form the flat toe level 21C, the wedge forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level 22C, and the horizontal elevated end forming the elevated flat heel level 23C.

[0060] In FIG. 6 the cushioned mat 20D is formed in three sections hinged together by hinges 18 and 19 which could be strips of fabric, to fold out into a long flat cushioned mat for storage, wherein two of the sections are flat cushioned mats 27 and 29A with one flat cushioned mat 27 at the back and one flat cushioned mat 29A in the middle, the two flat cushioned mats 27 and 29A being hinged together by a flexible fabric strip 18 or other hinging means on a top side so that the middle cushioned mat 29A is pivotable toward the rear of the cushioned mat so that the middle section 29A overlaps the rear section 27 for an elevated base and the front section 28A having a wedge shape is hinged to the middle section 29A along a flexible strip of material 19 on the bottom so that after the middle section 29A is folded back on the back section 27, the front wedge-shaped section 28A is pivotable toward the front of the cushioned mat to partially overlap the middle section 29A, exposing a portion of the middle section to form the flat toe level 21D, the wedge resting on the middle section forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level 22D, and the horizontal elevated end forming the upwardly beveled variable height mid-foot level 22D, and the elevated flat heel level 23D.

[0061] In FIG. 7, the invention further comprises a stand 30 having two upright sides with a pair of vertical posts 31 supporting a hand rail 33 between the posts on each side secured to a flat bottom base 30 upon which the anatomically corrected cushioned running mat 20 rests enabling a user to hold the hand rails 33 while running in place on the cushioned mat 20.

[0062] In FIG. 3 an alternate embodiment of the cushioned mat 20A is formed in two identical sections each having the three levels 21A, 22A and 23A with the cushioned mats spaced apart so that each cushioned mat receives one foot of the user.

[0063] In FIGS. 15-19, the preferred embodiment has the three sections built-in (the flat toe section 21J-M, the inclined midsection 22J-M and the elevated heel section 23J-M.

[0064] In FIG. 15 a low model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20J has a relatively thin toe section 21J and a very slight beveled incline section 22J, and only a slightly elevated heel section 23J for elderly people or young light weight children or low impact workouts such as walking or slow jogging in place.

[0065] In FIG. 16 a middle model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20K has a slightly thicker toe section 21J and a moderately beveled incline section 22J, and a moderately elevated heel section 23J for the average person of average weight and age exercising moderately with medium impact jogging in place.

[0066] In FIG. 17 a high model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20L has a slightly thicker toe section 21K and a steeply beveled incline section 22K, and a highly elevated heel section 23K for very fit healthy people exercising intensely with high impact fast running in place.

[0067] In FIG. 18 another high model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20M has a slightly thicker toe section 21M and a steeply arched curve forming both the incline section 22M and the highly elevated heel section 23M for very fit healthy people exercising intensely with high impact fast running in place.

[0068] In FIG. 19 another different model of the preferred embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20N has a normal toe section 21N, a vertical incline section 22K, and a moderately elevated heel section 23N for average people and average workouts. FIG. 20 shows the vertical incline model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line 23N.

[0069] In FIGS. 8-14 and 21 and 22 alternate compact embodiments of the multilevel cushioned mat 20E-H and 20P and 20R all rely on the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion 21E-H and 21P and 21R.

[0070] FIGS. 8-13 show three different compact models of the alternate embodiments of the cushioned mat 20E-G with a low incline 22E and low heel portion 23E model 20E for low impact walking in place and light jogging, a moderate incline 22F and moderately elevated heel portion 23F model 20F for moderate impact jogging workouts, and a steep incline 22G and highly elevated heel portion 23G model 20G for high impact workouts such as fast running in place.

[0071]FIG. 14 shows another alternate compact embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20H relying on the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion 21H. An arched front surface forms both the incline section 22H and the heel section 23H.

[0072] In FIG. 21 another compact model of the alternate embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20P has no toe section built in, but relies on a portion of the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion 21P. The mat itself has a vertical incline section 22P, and a moderately elevated heel section 23P for average people and average workouts. FIG. 22 shows the alternate embodiment model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line 23P.

[0073] In FIG. 23 another compact model of the alternate embodiment of the multilevel cushioned mat 20R has no toe section built in, but relies on a portion of the supporting surface in front of the cushioned mat as the toe portion 21R. The mat itself has an arched front portion which forms both the incline section 22R, and a moderately elevated heel section 23R for average people and average workouts. FIG. 24 shows the alternate embodiment model in action with the foot of a user (shown dashed) in the horizontal impact position and the midstance rolling forward onto the toe position with the cushioned mat compacting down and forward into a compressed incline position as shown in the dashed line 23R.

[0074] There are two preferred ways the cushioned mat can be constructed: 1.) A foam core consists of one or more foam materials 25, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell 26 as in FIG. 4. 2.) The entire cushioned mat can be molded with one or more types of foams. As an option, rigid members may be incorporated into the foam system as reinforcement. Dissimilar foam materials can be bonded or multi-component molded.

[0075] It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed. 

What is claimed:
 1. An anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat comprising: a cushioned multilevel jogging mat having a horizontally flat front toe level, an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level, and an elevated flat heel level for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving a heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level, naturally assisting the rolling forward of the mid foot of a runner on the inclined mid-foot level for a short midstance position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat section in a position to push the body upward; wherein the cushioned multilevel jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock absorbing material.
 2. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated in two sections: a flat bottom section and a wedge-shaped top section with a horizontal elevated end resting on the flat bottom section leaving a portion of the flat bottom section exposed to form the flat toe level, the wedge forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level, and the horizontal elevated end forming the elevated flat heel level.
 3. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is formed in three sections hinged together to fold out into a long flat cushioned mat for storage or other exercise purpose, wherein two of the sections are flat cushioned mats with one at the back and one in the middle, the two flat cushioned mats being hinged together on a top side so that the middle one is pivotable toward the rear of the cushioned mat so that the middle section overlaps the rear section for an elevated base and the front section having a wedge shape is hinged to the middle section on the bottom so that after the middle section is folded back on the back section, the front wedge-shaped section is pivotable toward the front of the cushioned mat to partially overlap the middle section, exposing a portion of the middle section to form the flat toe level, the wedge resting on the middle section forming the beveled variable height mid-foot level, and the horizontal elevated end forming the upwardly beveled variable height mid-foot level, and the elevated flat heel level.
 4. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 further comprising a stand having two upright sides with hand rails secured to a flat bottom platform upon which the cushioned mat rests, enabling a user to hold the hand rails while jogging or running in place on the cushioned mat.
 5. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is formed in two identical multi-leveled narrow cushioned mats spaced apart so that each of the narrow cushioned mats receives one foot of the user during exercise.
 6. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is sufficiently wide to receive both feet of the user thereon during exercise.
 7. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated of a foam core having at least one foam material, with an outer polymer coated fabric shell.
 8. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated of dissimilar foam materials which are bonded together.
 9. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated of a system of elastomeric material and is molded into shape.
 10. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the entire cushioned mat is fabricated by being molded from a foam material.
 11. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated of dissimilar elastomeric material and is multi-component molded into shape.
 12. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 11 wherein the elastomeric material is a foam material.
 13. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated from an open cellular foam system.
 14. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the cushioned mat is fabricated from a closed cell type foam.
 15. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the base foam material consists of a material selected from a list of materials consisting of polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, natural rubber and synthetic rubber.
 16. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 1 wherein the mat is fabricated from a material having a density range from 2 lb. to 12 lb. per cubic feet.
 17. An anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat comprising: a cushioned jogging mat having an upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level and an elevated flat heel level and positioned for utilizing a portion of a surface supporting the cushioned jogging mat as a lower front flat portion, the cushioned jogging mat being configured for an anatomically corrected in-place jogging and running device capable of receiving a heel of a runner with full impact absorption on the elevated heel level, naturally assisting the rolling forward of the mid foot of a runner on the inclined mid-foot level for a short midstance position, and receiving the toes on the lower front flat portion in a position to push the body upward; wherein the cushioned multilevel jogging mat is fabricated of a resilient shock absorbing material.
 18. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 17 comprising a flat bottom surface for resting on the supporting surface, a vertical surface extending from a back edge of the bottom surface and a curved surface extending from a front edge of the bottom surface to a top of the vertical surface, wherein the curved surface is capable of functioning both as the upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level and the elevated heel level.
 19. The anatomically corrected simulated inplace cushioned jogging and running mat of claim 17 further comprising a flat bottom surface for resting on the supporting surface and a vertical surface extending from a back edge of the bottom surface, wherein the elevated flat heel level extends horizontally from a top edge of the vertical surface, and the upwardly inclined variable height mid-foot level comprises an inclined surface extending from a front edge of the bottom surface to a front edge of the flat heel level. 